Barcelona Forced to Pick Between Lewandowski and Ferran as Club Plans New Striker Partnership

Barcelona’s summer rebuild has taken a decisive turn: the club will sign a marquee centre-forward and then ask one of its current senior strikers—Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres—to stay and form the new-look attack. With presidential elections dominating headlines, the football department has quietly finalised the attacking blueprint for 2025-26, identifying players such as Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez and Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović as primary targets.

The incoming No. 9 will arrive as the centrepiece, leaving coach Hansi Flick to choose between two contrasting profiles already on the books. Lewandowski, 36, has offered to extend on sharply reduced wages, accepting a secondary role in what would amount to a one-year swansong. The Pole has 13 goals in 28 matches this season and retains Flick’s confidence, yet his age and the club’s long-term vision cloud the picture.

Ferran Torres, 25, believes his best years lie ahead. He has struck 16 times in 31 games, feels increasingly settled in Catalonia and, with a contract until 2027, could either extend or be sold for a meaningful fee should Lewandowski remain. Contacts over fresh terms have taken place, but talks are frozen until the hierarchy decides which forward stays.

Financial realities sharpen the dilemma. A Ferran exit would generate pure capital; Lewandowski would not. The Spaniard’s willingness to fight for his place is clear, yet he recognises that a renewed Lewandowski plus a high-profile arrival would relegate him to fringe duty.

Nothing is settled. Lewandowski’s camp still fields lucrative offers from abroad, and Barcelona have not ruled out allowing the veteran to leave if his spring form dips. Conversely, if the club green-lights the veteran’s extension, Ferran will be placed on the market ahead of a summer that promises sweeping change at Camp Nou.

Flick, who holds final authority, must soon advise sporting director Deco whether experience or resale value takes priority. By the time pre-season begins, only one of the two current strikers is expected to remain wearing blaugrana.